Exeter Chiefs prop Brett Sturgess will be out of action for up to 12 weeks after he broke an arm in the 12-12 draw with Bath on Saturday.

It is the second time in two seasons that the loose-head prop has broken an arm and it leaves head coach Rob Baxter with a headache ahead of the Chiefs' match at home to Northampton Saints on Saturday.

"Sturge has broken his arm and he'll be having an operation today (Monday)," Baxter said. "It's a similar injury to the one he suffered last time but the other arm this time. He's likely to be out for eight, 10 or 12 weeks - it's a relatively serious injury."

The 31-year-old recently signed a new two-year deal with Exeter and he has been ever-present for the Chiefs in the Premiership and Heineken Cup this season. Previously he played for Northampton and he has also run out for the Barbarians.

Following the visit of Northampton, Exeter play their final two Heineken Cup pool matches. First they travel to France to take on Clermont Auvergne and then they host reigning champions Leinster at Sandy Park. While Sturgess will miss those fixtures Baxter has no doubt that he will be back in contention for a starting place before the end of the season.

"Sturge is one of these guys who does do his rehab absolutely flat-out," Baxter added. "I think the physios are already booking themselves in for the long appointments they tend to have with Sturge. It's unfortunate for Sturge because the season has been going well for him, but at the same time it's an opportunity for someone else."